The Forestry Commission is to change its policy regarding the oak processionary moth outbreak in London to one of containment, rather than eradication.
Oak processionary moth has been present in five west London boroughs since 2006 and, as well as severely defoliating the affected trees, represents a human health hazard – toxic hairs on the caterpillars can cause skin and throat rashes and irritations.
Action to manage the moth’s impact will now be up to the local authorities and tree owners, with the FC no longer issuing Statutory Notices.
The FC will, however, monitor the situation, including surveying buffer zones.
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